Light rail bound for Woden

HerCanberra Team

Labor announces City to Woden as the next stage of a city‑wide light rail network

Labor has selected Woden to the City via the Parliamentary Triangle as the preferred route for the next stage of a Canberra’s city‑wide light rail network. This move will connect the north and south of the city and create a public transport spine from Gungahlin to Woden which rapid and local buses will feed into.

Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said connecting light rail all the way from Gungahlin to Woden would alleviate congestion across the north and south of Canberra and continue the renewal of Woden, which will see more than 1000 ACT Government employees relocate into the town centre.

“With almost 210,000 Canberrans projected to live, work or study within one kilometre of the Woden corridor by 2041, it makes sense to extend light rail over the lake, through the Parliamentary Triangle and into the bustling Woden town centre.”

“Light rail costs could blow out by billions of dollars and residents will foot the bill,” Mr Coe said.

“There are several other major issues with the back of the envelope route from the City to Woden. We know there will be significant problems getting a tram over Commonwealth Avenue Bridge which is likely to blow out costs.”

Coe argues that few people will live within walking distance of Stage 2, and that the extension will have a negative effect on the current bus network.

“Buses that already service the route between the City and Woden are likely to be cancelled, meaning commuters will be forced to take a slower and less efficient journey on a tram.”

Planning for the next stage of light rail will get underway in coming months.

The other priority corridors identified through community consultation were to Belconnen, the Airport and further into the Parliamentary Triangle.